István Katona

István Katona is a Professor and Head of the Department of Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Budapest, Hungary). His career spans roles as a Senior Research Fellow, Bolyai Research Fellow, and EMBO Postdoctoral Fellow, with affiliations at institutions including the University of California, Irvine, and the Max-Planck Institute for Medical Research.

Research Focus

Katona investigates the molecular and structural principles of endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. His groundbreaking work established the presynaptic localization of CB1 receptors and the role of endocannabinoids as retrograde synaptic messengers. He proposed the 'synaptic circuit-breaker' hypothesis in a Nature Medicine review, linking endocannabinoid signaling to network excitability regulation.

Scientific Awards

• Elected Member of the Academia Europea (2013)
• Momentum Research Program Winner (2013)
• Wellcome Trust International Senior Research Fellowship (2010)
• European Research Council Starting Grant (2009)
• IACM Award for Cannabinoid Research (2009)
• Central European Talent Award (2008)
• János Bolyai Fellow (2003, 2007)
• EMBO Long-term Fellowship (2000-2002)
• Richter-Gedeon Research Award (1997)

Katona's research has uncovered critical pathophysiological implications of endocannabinoid signaling breakdown in human temporal lobe epilepsy and Fragile X syndrome models. His team continues to explore novel phylogenetically conserved endocannabinoid pathways.